The Best Places To Fish in South Dakota

By AA-Fishing Staff Writers

South Dakota is a unique for anglers, offering a diverse range of fishing opportunities across the state. The purpose of this page is to share basic information about the best fishing opportunities in the state, for a variety of fish species. Some of the best places to fish in South Dakota include the Missouri River, Lake Oahe, Lake Sharpe, Lake Francis Case, and Lake Thompson. These large reservoirs are known for their excellent fishing and are home to a variety of popular fish species.

One of the most sought-after species in South Dakota is walleye. Anglers flock to the Missouri River and its reservoirs during the spring and early summer months for the best walleye fishing. The fish are active and feeding heavily after the winter, making it an ideal time for a successful walleye fishing trip.

In addition to walleye, South Dakota's waters are also teeming with other popular species such as smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, northern pike, perch, and catfish. Each of these species offers a unique fishing experience, and anglers can find success throughout the year.

During the summer months, fishing on South Dakota's lakes and reservoirs is at its peak. The warm weather and longer days provide ideal conditions for catching bass and other warm-water species. However, for those who enjoy ice fishing, South Dakota's winters offer fantastic opportunities to target species like perch and walleye through the ice.

South Dakota's abundance of lakes, rivers, and reservoirs ensures that there is always a fishing spot available, no matter the season. Whether you prefer the thrill of reeling in a trophy walleye on the Missouri River or relaxing on a serene lake while catching bass, South Dakota's fishing scene has something to offer every angler.

There are many great places to fish in The Mount Rushmore State. Big rivers, small streams, ponds, small lakes and major lakes across the state provide fishing opportunities for anglers. This website covers fishing at major, fresh-water lakes in the state. The lists below represent the best places to fish among the lakes we cover.

South Dakota's Top-Five, Amazing Fishing Spots

These five major lakes are ar at the top of the list of best places to fish in South Dakota. Year over year, or by specific species, there are several other lakes that could be argued should make this list. However, these five have a long-standing reputation for delivering the goods. Learn more...

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Most Popular Fish Species In South Dakota

Productive ice fishing choices in winter makes for good fishing in South Dakota year round. Anglers have the opportunity to fish for two species of bass, three species of catfish, five species of trout, four species of salmon, walleye, bluegill, white bass, perch, sunfish and multiple other species in South Dakota waters. Learn more...

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Best Bass Fishing Lakes In South Dakota

South Dakota is one of the best places to fish for smallmouth bass in the country. The short growing season does not deliver high quanties giant largemouths, but there are plenty of quality largemouth bass. Learn more...

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Top Places To Fish For Trout In South Dakota

Local anglers in the state have the option to fish for rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. In addition to these major lakes there are many streams, lakes and ponds offering great trout fishing. Learn more...

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Best Lakes To Fish For Catfish In South Dakota

Channel, flathead and blue catfish swim in many of the waters across the state. These three lakes have shown over time to be a great place to fish for catfish in South Dakota. Learn more...

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Best Lakes To Fish For Salmon In South Dakota

Fishing for salmon in South Dakota is limited to landlocked chinook salmon, and these three are the best options. Learn more...

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Best Walleye Fishing Lakes In South Dakota

Walleye fishing is popular across the state. The state record walleye is over 14 pounds, and there are plenty of quality walleye in the 4 pounds and up range. Learn more...

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Enjoy these top spots to go fishing in South Dakota